Lesley Hargraves, Lead Partner, Maxwell Locke & Ritter.
Move marks a planned leadership transition for the Austin-based advisory firm, with Hargraves set to become the first woman to hold the top role in its 35-year history.
Maxwell Locke & Ritter (ML&R), an accounting and advisory firm based in Central Texas, has announced that Lesley Hargraves will become its next Leading Partner, effective January 2027. She will succeed current Leading Partner Kyle Parks, who will work alongside her over the next year to facilitate a smooth transition.
Hargraves has been with ML&R since 2009, starting on the firm's audit team and becoming a partner in 2017. In her most recent role, she served as the Audit Practice Leader. Her appointment to the top position is consistent with the firm's stated focus on developing its leadership from within its existing ranks.
"ML&R has been home for much of my career, and I'm excited to help lead the firm into its next chapter alongside such a talented and committed team," Hargraves said in a statement. "As we look ahead, I'm focused on continuing that legacy, supporting our team, and helping our clients navigate what's next with confidence."
Parks noted that Hargraves' experience and relationships with clients make her well-suited for the role. "This planned transition allows us to continue building on our momentum while staying focused on long-term growth and service excellence," he stated.
Founded in 1991, ML&R has grown to more than 170 employees across its offices in Austin and Round Rock, providing tax, audit, risk assurance, and transaction advisory services. The firm, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, has maintained its status as an independently owned entity. This business model stands in contrast to a growing trend in the accounting industry, where private equity investment has become more common.
Hargraves will be the fourth Leading Partner in the firm's history and the first woman to hold the position.
SOURCE: Maxwell Locke & Ritter
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